Motorcycle seat cover assembly

ABSTRACT

A motorcycle seat cover assembly, wherein the seat cover assembly hides the passenger seat such that it is not observable when not in use.

PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED US APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present United States Non-Provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Motorcycle Seat Cover,” filed on Dec. 9, 2004, having assigned Ser. No. 60/634,620.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present version of the invention relates generally to the field of motorcycle fenders and more specifically to a passenger seat cover wherein passenger seat may be hidden from view when not in use so as to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle.

BACKGROUND

A number of motorcycles are generally manufactured with a single operator seat, wherein such a motorcycle is not designed to carry a passenger. A motorcycle that has a passenger seat has a somewhat different look than a motorcycle without a passenger seat and owners of motorcycles are generally very concerned about the look of the motorcycle. To overcome this limitation of only one seat, yet to avoid compromising aesthetic appearance, passenger seats have been designed for mount over the rear fender to carry a passenger directly behind the driver.

Further, in addition to aesthetic influences over the selection of a passenger seat, a motorcycle operator may also be influenced by the fact that a passenger may only be carried a small percentage of the time the motorcycle is operated. That is, oftentimes a motorcycle operator will not want the motorcycle to have the altered appearance of a second seat when the motorcycle is only infrequently used to carry a passenger. One way to overcome this issue is to utilize a second seat for the motorcycle that may be attached and detached relative to the motorcycle.

Traditionally, the most common way to attach and detach a second seat to a motorcycle is to bolt, screw or otherwise attach the second seat to attachment points on the motorcycle such as the fender or frame. In order to secure such a second seat on a motorcycle, the installer must use a wrench, screwdriver or other similar tool, both for attachment and detachment of the second seat. One of the disadvantages associated with this requirement is that the necessary tools may not be readily available to the operator of the motorcycle, such as when he or she is touring on the open road. Further, the attachment and detachment can also be time consuming, particularly if the attachment points for the second seat are located behind or underneath a fender or under a seat, or at some other difficult to access location.

Additionally, loose mounting hardware for the second seat might be inherently susceptible to easy loss or misplacement. Further, to facilitate installation of such hardware, the inclusion of appropriate attachment points in conjunction with the motorcycle generally involves the production of screw holes and thus the introduction of protruding bolts from the motorcycle body. Both such modifications, indentures and protrusions, to the motorcycle frame can deter from the overall aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle. Frequently, owners of motorcycles find such modifications to be undesirable.

The creation of a passenger seat that can be permanently attached to a motorcycle without requiring the use of tools is desirable. However, even more desirable is the creation of a passenger seat cover such that when the seat is not in use, the passenger seat can remain hidden, whereby the motorcycle can have the same aesthetic look as a motorcycle that has no provision for a second seat.

Therefore, for the foregoing reasons, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a motorcycle seat cover assembly, wherein the cover assembly allows a permanently affixed passenger seat and its mechanisms to remains hidden from view when not in use, thereby preserving the aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present version of the invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a motorcycle seat cover assembly, wherein the seat cover assembly hides the passenger seat such that it is not observable during periods of nonuse. Additionally, the seat cover assembly, when in a closed position, preserves the aesthetic look and appeal of the traditional motorcycle, thereby eliminating the need to actually remove the seat from the motorcycle when not carrying a passenger.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present version of the invention in its preferred form is a motorcycle seat cover assembly, comprising a passenger motorcycle seat and a seat cover.

More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present version of the invention is a motorcycle seat cover assembly, comprising a passenger motorcycle seat nested within the rear fender and a seat cover that operates as a back rest when in an open position.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly such that when the seat cover is in an open position, the seat cover provides a back rest to complement a passenger seat.

Another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly such that when the seat cover is in an closed position, the contours of the rear fender of the motorcycle is completed by the exterior surface of the seat cover so that the appearance of the rear fender is in no way impaired by the presence of a passenger seat.

Still another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly that slidably retracts into the rear portion of the motorcycle fender.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly, wherein when in a closed position, the contours of the rear fender are completed by the exterior surface of the seat cover so that the appearance of the rear fender is in no way impaired by the presence of the unused, covered passenger seat.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly that is operable without the use of special tools.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly that is operable without the use of mounting hardware, thereby avoiding protruding bolts and/or screw holes.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present version of the invention is its ability to provide a motorcycle seat cover assembly that allows a passenger to use the passenger seat without having to remove the seat cover from the motorcycle rather the seat cover becomes the passenger seat backrest when the passenger seat is in use.

These and other features and advantages of the present version of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present version of the invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a seat cover in the open position;

FIG. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly attachment mechanism, and an energy mechanism therefore, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly of a seat cover locking mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly attachment mechanism according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway side elevational view of the motorcycle seat cover assembly attachment mechanism depicted in FIG. 6, showing a bias element exerting both an opening force and a closing force on the seat cover, depending on its position relative to an equilibrium point;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly, showing the attachment mechanism depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross-sectional side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly adapted to be selectively closed or opened by movement in the fore and aft direction along a guide track; and

FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional side elevational view of a motorcycle seat cover assembly the seat cover depicted in FIG. 9, shown in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a preferred motorcycle seat cover assembly 11, wherein, when in a closed position, the contours of rear fender member 10 are preferably completed by the exterior surface of seat cover 10 c, and front portion 10 a and rear portion 10 b of fender member 10 so that the appearance of fender member 10 is in no way aesthetically impaired by the presence of a passenger seat. Overlying rear wheel 20, fender member 10 is preferably formed of metal or composite material, which, as depicted, can be aerodynamically contoured to reduce wind resistance and to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. While fender member 10 may have any conventional shape, in the illustrated aspect, the shape is preferably arcuate in transverse and longitudinal section, extending downwardly around the front and rear portions of the rear wheel 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, fender member 10 preferably is conventionally secured to the rear portion of motorcycle frame or chassis member 12. The front portion of the fender member 10 preferably defines recess 10 d constructed and arranged to support a cushioned passenger seat 30. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, passenger seat 30 is the rear portion or backrest of tandem seat or two-rider motorcycle seat 14. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that passenger seat 30 can also be a second seat, separate and independent from the forward seat in lieu of another arrangement. In the exemplified aspect, however, passenger seat 30 is tandem seat 14 comprised of a single cushion, having front seat portion 14 a and a rear seat portion 14 b. Tandem seat 14 is preferably supported, at least partially, by front portion 10 a of the fender member 10 and, at least partially, by motorcycle chassis member 12.

Seat cover 10 c is provided, preferably pivotably mounted to fender member 10 at a predetermined position between rear portion 10 b of fender member 10 and the rear end 15 of rear seat portion 14 b. It is contemplated by the present invention to pivotably mount the seat cover 10 c to fender member 10 in any number of applicable locations between seat cover 10 c and fender member 10. As shown in FIG. 2, seat cover 10 c is movable between a first closed position P1 and a second opened position P2.

Referring now to FIG. 3, seat cover 10 c is preferably constructed of a contoured metallic or composite outer surface 18 a which forms a portion of rear fender 10. Seat cover 10 c also defines an inner surface 10 c 2 that preferably can be at least partially lined by backrest cushion 32. When seat cover 10 c is in the second open position P2 as depicted in solid line in FIG. 2, seat cover 10 c is preferably positioned such that inner surface 10 c 2 provides a backrest to complement passenger seat 30. Conversely, when seat cover 10 c is in the first closed position P1, the contours of the metal or composite outer surface of seat cover 10 c, as shown in FIG. 1, merge with the contours of fender member 10 to complete the aerodynamic and/or aesthetic design of fender member 10. In the absence of a passenger, when seat cover 10 c is in the first closed position P1, passenger seat 30 is concealed underneath seat cover 10 c and aesthetically camouflaged “within” fender member 10. Thus, in the first closed position P1, the contours of fender member 10 are completed so that the appearance of fender member 10 is in no way impaired by the presence of a passenger seat.

Passenger seat 30 is preferably upholstered and is preferably contoured to have its periphery blend into the adjacent lines of the chassis and fender of the motorcycle. Backrest cushion 32 preferably comprises resiliently deformable padding with an upholstered covering thereover. The front surface of the backrest cushion 32 is contoured to mate with the upper surface of the passenger seat 30 to provide an essentially flush appearance and to enable the outer surface 10 c 1 of seat cover 10 c to merge with the contours of fender member 10 in order to complete the aerodynamic and/or aesthetic design of fender member 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, seat cover 10 c is preferably pivotably mounted to fender member 10 by an attachment mechanism 40. Attachment mechanism 40 can be any conventional mechanism that provides a rotational axis such that seat cover 10 c can be selectively opened to a second open position P2 and closed to a first closed position P1 along a fixed rotational axis.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated preferred attachment mechanism 40, according to preferred embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, mounting bracket 42 is mounted to interior surface 10 c 2 of fender member 10 and is adapted to receive pivot member 44. Spaced apart attachment flanges 46 a and 46 b are preferably mounted to inner surface 10 c 2 of seat cover 10 c and are similarly adapted to receive pivot member 44. The spaced apart attachment flanges 46 a and 46 b are positioned within the mounting bracket 42, thereby simultaneously matingly engaging pivot member 44, such that pivot member 44 provides a rotational axis upon which seat cover 10 c can be moved from a first closed position P1 to a second open position P2 and then back to a first closed position P1.

An energy mechanism 50 can also be provided to selectively actuate seat cover 10 c from the first closed position P1 to the second open position P2. As depicted in FIG. 4, energy mechanism 50 preferably can comprise one or more telescopingly-extendable bias elements 56, having first end 52 and second end 54. Preferably, first end 52 is rotationally mounted to mounting bracket 42 and second end 54 is rotationally mounted to the inner surface 10 c 2 of seat cover 10 c. It is contemplated by the present invention that energy mechanism 50 may include, but is not limited to, hydraulic, air, spring, or any other energy mechanism. In one example, at least a portion of energy mechanism 50 is preferrably positioned at an angle such that the bias element 56 is continually under tension throughout its range of contact with seat cover 10 c. Thus, in such a preferred configuration bias element 56 forcibly acts upon seat cover 10 c when in the second open position P2 thereby coincidentally resisting movement of seat cover 10 c toward the first closed position P1.

As described above, bias element 56 is preferably in continuous urging contact with seat cover 10 c and therefore provides a force sufficient to keep seat cover 10 c in the second open position P2. Hence, it is contemplated that attachment mechanism 40 will further comprise a lock mechanism or other latching mechanism to keep the seat cover locked in the closed position until such time as the user selectively actuates the energy mechanism 50 to open seat cover 10 c. To that end, any conventional locking mechanism can be used with the present invention.

For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the apertures 41 defined in mounting bracket 42 preferably has a keyhole shape, constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the ends of pivot member 44, and facilitating function as a locking mechanism. In one aspect, the keyhole shape has bottom portion 45 that is substantially circular in cross sectional area, and top portion 43 that has a substantially rectangular cross section. Likewise, the ends of pivot member 44 can be substantially rectangular in cross section and can be sized and shaped to selectively engage rectangular top portion 43 of aperture 41. When seat cover 10 c is in first closed position P1, the rectangular end of pivot member 44 preferably engage rectangular top portion 43 of apertures 41, thereby inhibiting rotation about pivot member 44; thereby keeping seat cover 10 c in a down or first closed position P1.

To open seat cover 10 c, rear portion of the seat cover 10 c is preferably downwardly depressed, thereby disengaging the ends of the pivot member 44 from their engagement within rectangular top portion 43 of apertures 41, and selectively engaging same with the substantially circular bottom portion 45 of the keyhole shaped aperture 41. Thus, when pivot member 44 is engaged with bottom portion 45 of aperture 41, the seat cover 10 c can be rotated about pivot member 44 toward the second open position P2 under the preferably continuous urging of bias element 56.

As depicted in FIG. 4, it is also contemplated, that an additional bias element 58 can be provided that is in continuous urging contact with pivot member 44, such that the force placed upon pivot member 44 by bias element 58 acts to urge the pivot member 44 into the locked engagement with top portion 43 of aperture 41 until the pivot member 44 is selectively disengaged by pressing downward on the pivot member 44 with a force sufficient to overcome the force of the bias element 58.

Thus, the described preferred construction provides a tandem seat 14 with a pivoted backrest and seat cover 10 c, wherein energy mechanism 50, pivot member 44 and attachment mechanism 40 the backrest and seat cover 10 c are hidden from view. Additionally, there are preferably no external brackets or supports required in order for the seat cover to be in the elevated or second open position P2.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an alternate embodiment of energy mechnism 50 is depicted defining first end 52 and second end 54. In this embodiment, second end 54 is rotatably mounted to rear end 10 c 3 of seat cover 10 c and first end 52 is rotatably mounted to fender member 10 at a predetermined position rearward from the attachment of the free end to seat cover 10 c. Thus, a portion of the bias element 56 proximate second end 54 is in continuous urging contact with seat cover 10 c to assist in the movement of seat cover 10 c to its second open position P2 or first closed position P1.

As exemplified, at least a portion of energy mechanism 50 is positioned at an angle such that bias element 56 is continually under tension throughout its range of contact with the seat cover 10 c. Bias element 56 preferably exerts an opening force when seat cover 10 c is manually moved from its first closed position P1 to beyond a first equilibrium position E1 (shown in FIG. 8) in a first rotational direction. Bias element 56 also can exert a closing force when seat cover 10 c is moved toward its first closed position P1 to beyond a second equilibrium position E2 (shown in FIG. 6) in a second rotational direction, which is opposite to the first rotational direction. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in accordance with this aspect, a locking mechanism is not necessary in order to keep the seat cover in the closed position.

Hence, bias element 56 preferably operates to keep seat cover 10 c in first closed position P1 and/or the second open position P2. However, it should be understood that, if desired, a locking mechanism such as that described above can be incorporated into this or any embodiment as desired.

Thus, the described alternate embodiment construction provides a tandem seat 14 with a pivoted backrest and seat cover 10 c, wherein energy mechanism 50, pivot member 44 and attachment mechanism 40 the backrest and seat cover 10 c are hidden from view. Additionally, there are preferably no external brackets or supports required in order for the seat cover to be in the elevated or second open position P2.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternate embodiment of seat cover 10 c is constructed and arranged to be selectively retractable from first closed position P1 to a second open position P2 within fender member 10. In accordance with this embodiment, outer surface 10 c 1 of the seat cover 10 c conforms to the inner peripheral profile of rear portion 10 b of the fender member 10 and is adapted to be slidable in the fore-and-aft direction as will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 9 depicts a partial cutaway side view of seat cover 10 c according to this alternate embodiment. Fender member 10, is preferably formed of metal or composite materials, which, as depicted, can be aerodynamically contoured to reduce wind resistance and/or to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. While fender member 10 may have any conventional shape, in the illustrated example, it is arcuate in transverse and longitudinal section and extends downwardly around the front and rear portions of rear wheel 20.

In this embodiment, seat cover 10 c is adapted to be selectively closed or opened by a sliding mechanism with movement in the fore and aft direction along guide tracks 70. Two parallel guide tracks 70A and 70B are provided on a defined interior portion of the fender member 10. It is contemplated by the present invention that guides track(s) 70 include, but are not limited to, may comprise single or multiple guide track(s) 70. Two pairs of opposed support members 74 and a plurality of guides 72A and 72B are also provided. A first guide 72A is attached to distal end 73 of each support member 74 and a second guide 72B is attached intermediate the distal end 73 and proximal end 75 of each support member 74. Each guide 72A and 72B is constructed and arranged for slidable movement along each respective guide track 70A and 70B, respectively. It is contemplated by the present invention that guides 72 include, but are not limited to, rollers, wheels, casters, pins, or any other sliding mechanism. The proximal end 75 or opposing distal end 73 of each support member is rotatably connected to and supports the interior surface of seat cover 10 c. As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, each guide track 70A and 70B extends in the fore and aft direction so as to ensure a complete or substantially complete passage of seat cover 10 c under rear portion 10 b of the fender member 10 as shown in FIG. 10. Further, in another embodiment, each guide track defines at least two slots that are spaced a predetermined distance apart. Each slot extends upwardly away from the adjoining portions of the guide track and is sized and shaped to receive one second guide when the second guide is selectively positioned to underlie the slot.

Furthermore, a torsion springs 78 is provided at each pivot point 76 of support member 74. In one embodiment, one end of the respective torsion spring 78 is mounted to the respective support member 74 and the other end is mounted to an attachment on the interior surface of seat cover 10 c. Torsion springs 78 urge the support members 74 of the opposed pair of support members to rotate away from each other about the respective pivot point 76 of support member 74 urging the seat cover in a direction away from the center of wheel 20.

When the seat cover 10 c is in closed position P3, the first guides 72A are in contact with the respective guide tracks 70A, the second guides 72B are in contact with the respective guide tracks 70B, and the seat cover substantially conforms to the overall, adjoining exterior shape of fender member 10. As one will appreciate, the urging force of the torsion springs 76 acts to hold the seat cover in the upward or closed position P3. Guide tracks 70A and 70B may include defined slot(s) 77, wherein one or more guides 72A and 72B may drop or lock into when seat cover 10 c is in closed position P3.

In use, seat cover 10 c is opened by pressing downward on seat cover 10 c to a lowered position P4, to displace guides 72A and 72B from the slot(s) 77 and/or to load torsion springs 76. Seat cover 10 c can then be moved along the guide track 70A and 70B in the aft direction and into the interior portion of fender member 10, wherein the urging force presses outer surface 18 a of seat cover 10 c against the interior portion of the fender member 10. Seat cover 10 c is closed by pressing downward on seat cover 10 c to a lowered position and moved in the forward direction along the guide tracks 70A and 70B. Once seat cover 10 c is clear from the interior portion of the fender member 10 and guides 72 overlie the respective slot(s) 77 in the respective guide tracks 70A and 70B, loaded torsion springs 76 urge seat cover 10 c upwardly towards the closed position P3.

It is contemplated by the present invention that guides 72, guide tracks 70, and pivot point 76 may be alternately positioned and/or the number of each may be increased above that stated herein.

Thus, it can be seen that the motorcycle seat cover assemblies described herein are highly desirable and provide the ability to have a permanently attached passenger seat that remains hidden from view when not in use and thus enables the motorcycle to retain the traditional aesthetic look. To that end, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present version of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A seat assembly for a motorcycle comprising: a tandem seat having a front and rear seat, wherein said rear seat is defined within a rear wheel fender; and a rear seat cover movable between a first position and a second position, wherein said rear seat cover is pivotably mounted to said rear fender, and wherein said first position conceals said rear seat and said second position exposes said rear seat.
 2. A seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein when said rear seat cover is in said first position, said rear seat cover merges with the contours of said rear wheel fender.
 3. A seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein when said rear seat cover is in said first position, said rear seat is concealed underneath said rear seat cover.
 4. A seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein when said rear seat cover is in said second position, said rear seat cover defines a backrest for said rear seat.
 5. A seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rear seat is separate and independent relative to said front seat.
 6. A seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rear seat cover further comprises a cushion section.
 7. A seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a positional lock mechanism.
 8. A seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a locking means for maintaining said rear seat cover in a selected position.
 9. A seat assembly according to claim 9, wherein said locking means is selected from the group consisting of an attachment, locking, or latching mechanism.
 10. A seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an energy mechanism.
 11. A seat assembly according of claim 1, further comprising a means for urging selective actuation of said seat cover from said first position to said second position.
 12. A seat assembly according to claim 11, wherein said means for urging is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic, air, or spring mechanism.
 13. A seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a sliding mechanism.
 14. A seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a means for sliding said rear seat cover in the fore and aft direction of said rear wheel fender, wherein slideable movement of said rear seat cover selectively positions said rear seat cover in said first or second position.
 15. A seat assembly according to claim 14, wherein said means for sliding is selected from the group consisting of rollers, wheels, casters, pins, or sliding mechanism.
 16. A seat assembly for a motorcycle comprising: a two-rider seat having a driver portion and a passenger portion, wherein said passenger portion of said two-rider seat generally inset within an exterior surface of a rear motorcycle fender; and a cover movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to the status of said passenger portion of said two-rider seat, wherein said cover is pivotably mounted to said rear motorcycle fender; and a means for urging selective actuation of said cover.
 17. A seat assembly according to claim 16, wherein said means for urging is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic, air, or spring mechanism.
 18. A seat assembly according to claim 16, wherein when said cover is in said closed position, said passenger portion of said two-rider seat is effectively camouflaged within said rear fender.
 19. A seat assembly according to claim 16, wherein when said cover is in said opened position, said cover serves as a backrest for said passenger portion of said two-rider seat.
 20. A seat assembly according to claim 16, wherein said cover is lined with cushioning.
 21. A seat assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a positional lock mechanism.
 22. An interchangeable motorcycle seat, comprising: a rear fender; a driver seat, said driver seat positioned approximate an outer surface of said rear fender; and a fender extension, wherein said fender extension interchanges into a backrest, exposing a passenger seat, and wherein said fender extension thereby interchanges into a fender extension, concealing said passenger seat. 